The Lava Tunnel – Lava Falls Adventure

Raufarhólshellir cave is only about 35 km (21.7 mi.) from Reykjavík, so it is reasonably nearby. You can meet your guide at the cave site.  The lava tunnel is near Hveragerði, a geothermal town which is only about a 30-minute drive from the capital city. Driving from Reykjavík east on Route 1 and drive for about 18 km. Turn right onto Route 39 (Þorlákshöfn) and drive for another 12 km. The parking area will be on your left-hand side. You can also find the cave on Google Maps. GPS coordinates: N.63º 56.407 / W. 021º 23.742

When the whole group has arrived and is ready, we’ll pass out all the necessary equipment. You’ll be provided with a helmet, flashlight, gloves, and crampons, if necessary. The ground in the cave is uneven and the cave remains between 0 and 4ºC (32-39ºF) all year round. For that reason, you’ll need to come prepared with sturdy hiking boots and warm clothes.

The sheer beauty of this lava cave is sure to impress you. Even upon entering, the range of colors that you can find on the walls of the cave, painted there by the minerals that took part in the eruption, is incredible and the breathtaking shapes formed by the lava are astounding. If you visit during the winter, all of this beauty will be amplified by the beautiful natural ice formations that fall gracefully from the ceiling as well as rise from the ground.

At the beginning of the tunnel, a walkway has been built to help tourists enter the cave despite the uneven ground. But, as this is an extreme lava tunnel tour, we’ll soon exit the walkway to head out on the less explored route. This rocky ground will become more rugged the deeper into the depths of the tunnel we go.

While this may not be the easiest path to follow, for those who are in good physical condition, this extra effort really adds to the sense of adventure. While the terrain is uneven, there will be no crawling or climbing required anywhere in Raufarhólshellir.

The cave is very open with wide paths and a high ceiling, making it the perfect place for those who dislike confined spaces to explore. It’s also very long. Reaching almost 1400 m (4593 ft.) in length, this tunnel is one of the longest in Iceland to allow tours.

While you explore, your expert guide will inform you about how the cave was formed, comment on its fascinating geology, and talk about the volcanoes of Iceland in general. You won’t run out of things to see or paths to explore during this underground adventure. There is enough fascinating geology to make you want to return for a second trip!

Once we have explored Raufarhólshellir fully, we’ll exit the cave to rejoin the outside world and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll be able to go back to civilization as a newly-minted expert on the lava tunnels of Iceland, no doubt already planning your next underground adventure during the trip home.